curricular connections to geocaching
DESCRIPTION
Learn how GPS devices work and how to connect Geocaching with any curricular unit of study to motivate and excite student learning.TRANSCRIPT
Contents
GPS Background1
2
Materials and Supplies3
Stash Your Cache4
Classroom Activities5
Geocaching Defined
Resources & Links6
The Global Positioning System (GPS): A Technology of Extensive Use. Discovery Education, 2001. Video Segment. 5 May 2010. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>.
(3:19 Minutes)
GPS: Global Positioning System. Discovery Education, 2002. Video Segment. 5 May 2010. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>.
(4:01 Minutes)
GPS Background1
Geocaching is an outdoor scavenger/treasure hunting game where you use GPS technology to pinpoint the location of an item(s).
Geocaching Defined2
http://www.geocaching.com/about/cache_types.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4VFeYZTTYs
What Is Geocaching? GoGeocaching — March 17, 2010 — Learn about the high-tech treasure hunting game being played around the world by adventure seekers! Learn more at http://www.geocaching.com.
Geocaching Defined2
GPS Device
Film Canisters
Easter Eggs
Mailing Folders
Plastic Containers
Plastic Bags
Camo Tape
Materials and Supplies3
GPS Device signals work best outdoors and may not be as accurate around tall buildingsSurvey your area, remember SAFETY Crossing parking lots Wooded areas or bushes
(Snakes, insects, etc.) Location height
Hide caches so that studentscan’t see them at a glanceDon’t use food
Stash Your Cache4
Stash Your Cache4
Use unique hiding areas Tied to branch in tree Use magnets on signs Drain pipe PVC Pipe
Have something for those thatfinish early – Bonus Cache
Geocache Types
Traditional Cache Multi-Cache
Mystery/Puzzle Cache
Letterbox Cache
Virtual Cache
Cache In Trash Out Event
Web Cam Cache
http://www.geocaching.com/about/cache_types.aspx
Classroom Activities5
Classroom Activities5
10 Apples Up On Top!Dr. Seuss, Theo LeSieg
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration
Media/PE Integration• The teacher created stations
based on the events from the book.
• Teacher found coordinates outside for each station and created cards.
• Students used GPS devices to go to preset stations where they performed the tasks.
Classroom Activities5
History MysteriesUsing Primary Source Information
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html
Media/History
• Teacher recorded coordinates outside for multiple stations.
• Teacher created cards for groups of students.
• Students used GPS devices to go to preset coordinates where they found picture cards or newspaper articles of some event in history.
• Students gathered all of the items and then tried to discover what the items had in common.
Classroom Activities5
Classroom Activities5
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/pages/teacher_resources/gps_activities/displayall_grade_level.asp
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/it/ncgeocache/LessonPlans.htm#nine12
Teacher Friendly Software
“FREE GPS Software for your Garmin, Magellan or Lowrance
GPS”
http://www.easygps.com/
http://educaching.com/
Resources & Links6
Elementary • Language Arts• Social Studies• Mathematics• Science
Intermediate Science Grades 5-8
• Human Body• Cell Biology• Ecology• Geology, Landforms and
Earth Structure• Plate Tectonics• Energy and Motion• Chemistry• Weather and Erosion
Resources & Links6
Intermediate U.S. History/Geography Grades 5-8
• Early Exploration• Road to Revolution• Forming a Constitution• A New Republic• National Growth (1800-1844)• Manifest Destiny & Spirit of Change
(1810-1860)• A Nation Divided (1846-1856)• Reconstruction (1865-1877)
Resources & Links6
Geocaching University – Let’s Go Geocaching! http://www.geocacher-u.com/
Resources & Links6
Geocaching University- Let’s Go Geocaching!
Vehicle Placard Certificates Cache Logs Stash Notes Trackable Items
• GeoCoin Buddy Book• Travel Bug Travel Guide
Cache Labels CITO Labels Log Books BINGO Cards Placemats Coloring & Activity Book ID Cards
Resources & Links6
http://www.geocacher-u.com/
Resources & Links6
http://www.podcacher.com/
http://www.geocaching.com/
Resources & Links6
Deciding who to
follow is the tricky part!
Directionally Challenged?
